Unit 3 Part 3: Relationships within and among World Ecosystems

“Climax Vegetation” p. 102 Climax vegetation is the natural vegetation in the last possible stage of vegetation development. Climax vegetation is stable and in balance with the climate It should change very little if left undisturbed

i.e. Climax Vegetation in Boreal Forest. Evergreen trees Needle like leaves Thick bark Conical shape Dense growing which blocks sun Boreal Forest

Analyze Distribution of World Ecosystems. Boreal Forest & tundra are wide spread in high latitudes Tropical Rain Forests occur in low latitudes Tropical Rain forest is most predominant in South America. South America, Africa, Australia and Antarctica do not have tundra. Boreal forest is our ecosystem

Ecosystems and Climatic Regions Ecosystem Zones Ecosystems of the world are largely defined by their climax vegetation. Example: tropical rain forest, grasslands, boreal forests, cacti, etc. Climax vegetation is determined by climate! Therefore, ecosystems parallel climate zones! Climate Zones

Ecosystems and Climatic Regions (cont’d) Temperate cold winter produces Boreal Forest Temperate mild winter produces Temp. Deciduous Forest Semi-arid produces Grassland Arid produces Desert Tropical Wet produces Tropical Rain Forest Worksheet 6.2!

Altitude, Latitude and Changes in Ecosystems -p. 102 Key Idea! The changes in ecosystems that occur from the equator to the poles is similar to the changes in ecosystems seen moving from the base of a mountain to the summit!

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102 Tundra: Polar – sub arctic climate Short summers Avg. monthly temp. always below 10oC Very cold long winter Light precipitation

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102 Boreal Forest: Temperate cold winter climate Warm summers Moderate precipitation

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102 Temperate Forest: Temperate mild winter climate Warm – hot summers Moderate - heavy precipitation

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102 Temperate Grassland: Semi-arid climate or temperate cold winter Light precipitation, most of it occurs in summer Warm to hot summer Cold winters

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102 Savanna: Tropical wet & dry to semi-arid climate High temperatures most of the year Light to moderate precipitation usually all in one season

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102 Desert: Arid climate High temperatures year round little precipitation

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102 Tropical Rain Forest: Tropical wet climate High temperatures year round High precipitation year round

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102 Mountain: Different climates at different elevations High elevations often like tundra

Lab /Practice questions Questions #23 24, 25 p. 105-106